Arthritis Awareness Month: Understanding How Arthritis Manifests in the Feet

It’s Arthritis Awareness Month, and since foot arthritis causes a variety of symptoms that impact mobility and overall quality of life, it’s important to the team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists that patients understand how arthritis affects the feet.

Symptoms of Foot Arthritis

Foot arthritis can present with various symptoms, including pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the affected joints. Individuals with foot arthritis may experience difficulty walking, especially after periods of rest, as well as limited range of motion in the affected joints.

Types of Foot Arthritis:

1. The most common types of arthritis affecting the feet include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
2. Osteoarthritis gradually wears down the cartilage in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
3. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, including those in the feet, resulting in swelling, deformity, and joint erosion.
4. Gout, a form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, often affects the big toe, causing sudden and severe pain, swelling, and redness.

Common Sites of Foot Arthritis:

1. Arthritis can affect any joint in the foot, but certain areas are more commonly affected, such as the big toe, midfoot, and ankle.
2. When arthritis affects the big toe joint, it can cause pain, stiffness, and limited motion, making it difficult to walk.
3. Arthritis in the midfoot can lead to arch pain, instability, and difficulty bearing weight, affecting overall foot function.
4. Ankle arthritis can cause pain, swelling, and instability, making it challenging to walk or engage in physical activities.

Management and Treatment:

1. Treatment for foot arthritis aims to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.
2. Conservative treatment options may include medication, orthotics, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications like maintaining a healthy weight.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of foot arthritis, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. The expert team at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists is the place to go! With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, and Zeno Pfau, D.P.M. are dedicated to all aspects of foot health. Give us a call at (520) 575-0800 or contact us online!